Saudi Arabia with a rich history and home to archeological treasures
For centuries, the remains of several ancient cities that once thrived in this area lied in ruins away from people’s attention
Modern-day Saudi
Arabia is home to several archeological treasures pointing to the fact that this part of the world was once the cradle of mighty civilizations.
For centuries, the remains of several ancient cities that once thrived in this area lied in ruins away from people’s attention. A few decades ago, this part of the world was considered just a vast uninhabitable desert tucked away from civilizations. Modern technology that made excavation easy in difficult terrains changed the perception for good.
The discovery of several ancient sites has put Saudi Arabia on top of the list of those countries with a rich history and home to archeological wonders.
In a bid to introduce the world to the Kingdom’s rich heritage, an exhibition titled “Roads of Arabia: Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia Across the Ages” has been hosted by a number of prominent museums around the world.
One of the artifacts includes a sandstone statue known as the “Suffering Man.” The masterpiece, dating back 6,000 years, was found near the town of Al-Kahafah 200 km south of Hail.
The archeological marvel depicts a man with sad sunken eyes, mouth and hands extending toward the heart. It is a perfect picture of a man expressing his state of mind.
Commenting on the piece, Saudi archeologist Dr. Saad Al-Rashed said: “It was discovered during excavations by the archeology department in Hail region. It dates back to the 4th millennium BC, and exhibits a mixture of tenderness and serenity. It also reflects funerary expressions.”
He noted that transporting this piece is subject to the highest authorities’ approval, under the guarantee of international covenants, including insurance and personal accompaniment from the country of origin.
Another famous Saudi artifact is the “Eye-Stele.” It was discovered in Tayma and dates back to the 5th century BC. It is a memorial tombstone featuring the face of a human with Aramaic inscriptions citing the name of Taim bin Zaid, a prominent figure of his time.
This important piece, which is well-known among archaeologists around the globe, is the only clear evidence of the existence of cultural contacts between Tayma and the northwest and the southern Arabian Peninsula, where similar monuments are found.
Another masterpiece is the “Head of a Man.” The bronze statue dates felt as if there was no end in sight. “Nothing seems (as if it will) go back to normal anytime soon. Higher costs of living. No salaries being paid. Life is getting difficult and people are not cautious enough.” Life coach Nora Alrifai was more hopeful, however, and stressed that the pandemic presented a vital opportunity. “If we are not learning from the past then we are missing our future,” she said. “If humanity and primitive societies survived fatal epidemics throughout the years, so will we with our much higher awareness and evolution in different aspects of life. I won’t say that I am not worried or concerned, but I am keeping my hopes up.”
Life will not be the same for many people. Residents cooperating with the government and adhering to the policies put in place understand that, even with the curfew’s relaxation, everyone should continue taking precautionary measures.
It features a banquet, and shows the influence of the Dionysian painting style that was popular in the East during the 1st and the 2nd centuries AD.
In addition, the masterpieces include a small statue of “Thaj Girl” found with Thaj golden treasure objects discovered in a burial chamber in Jubail in 1998, which also include a gold mask, pearls, bracelets, rings, necklaces, a gold placard inlaid with red carved rubies, and other gold pieces that date back to the Hellenistic era more than 2,000 years ago.
The 46-cm statue of the girl dates back to the 1st century AD and is made of bitumen, iron and lead. During that era, the Arabian Peninsula was linked to the Mediterranean world’s major trade routes.
It is noteworthy that during that age, incense convoys in southern Arabia crossed these routes, some of which passed through Thaj city. This burgeoning trade may have been the source of wealth that enabled wealthy men to put items of luxury in the tomb.
Historical research and archaeological excavations indicate that settlement in Thaj region dates back to the stone ages, and that the region flourished between 332 BC and the 1st century AD.
Amani, a public sector employee, said that things would not be the same anymore, that people would be more aware and cautious when interacting with crowds and businesses that thrived via large numbers of people might suffer the most. “I think after some time, people will have developed a stronger immunity to the virus, and its spread won’t leave as high an impact on the community as it is now,” she said. Most people who took part in the survey believed that the situation would end with people around the world developing immunity to the virus, while others said that they were waiting for a vaccine. The majority of participants looked at the possibility that lives would change after the virus.
Kausar said: “The end will mark the beginning of something new. Life and work may change for good,” but she believed that there would be change for the better.